Microprocessor controlled thermoelectric cooler and laser power controller

摘要

A microprocessor controlled electronic subsystem for monitoring either a thermoelectric cooler or a laser diode and adjusting the thermoelectric cooler to compensate for temperature effects. The microprocessor, with the aid of a temperature sensor, monitors the current temperature of the thermoelectric cooler or laser diode and then chooses an appropriate target value to minimize the amount of time needed to drive the thermoelectric cooler or the laser to the appropriate temperature. The microprocessor contains software whose purpose is to choose the appropriate target value in order to fine tune the control response of the entire system. The system also includes the ability to pick a new target value if the environment or ambient temperature is beyond designed for values.